Saudi Arabia Event Planning

Key Highlights

Hotels	293
Total Sleeping Rooms	60,625
Committable Sleeping Rooms*	1,743
Committable Meeting Rooms*	38
Convention Center Space	19,974 Sq. Mtr.
Largest Exhibit Space	10,000 Sq. Mtr.
Average Hotel Room Rate	SAR 440
Average Daily Meal Cost	SAR 114
Average Weekly Car Rental	SAR 591
*Maximum for a single hotel

Saudi Arabia Meeting Planning Overview

Known as the birthplace of Islam and home of the holy Muslim cities of Medina and Mecca, Saudi Arabia is an Arabian Peninsula country with coastlines on the Red Sea and Persian Gulf. Major Saudi Arabia places of interest include the busy capital city of Riyadh; the metropolitan city of Jeddah, a waterfront destination that has historically served as the gateway to Mecca; the summertime destination known as Taif; and the historical Al-Madinah, among other major cities. The country features a unique mix of cosmopolitan cities, rich heritage sites, beautiful beaches, traditional souks, and modern shopping centers.

Saudi Arabia is home to dozens of international and regional airports, including King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, which serves as the closest international airport to Mecca, as well as the Riyadh King Khalid International Airport. Popular modes of transport in Saudi Arabia include private car and taxi service. Riyadh, however, is currently building a massive Metro network, that, upon its 2019 unveiling, will operate along 110 miles of track. Inter-city bus service is available throughout the country.

Meeting travelers will find a number of cutting-edge convention centers throughout Saudi Arabia, including stand-alone facilities and hotel-based convention centers, particularly in the Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam regions.

Saudi Arabia Key Stats for Meeting Planners

Time Zone: Arab Time (AT)
Convention Center(s):

Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center

Hotel at Convention Center? No

Airport(s):

Special Event Venues
6
Population
33,000,000
Restaurants
7
Country Code
966
Sales Tax
5.00%
Currency
Saudi Riyal
Standard Tipping Practice
10-15%
Electricity
220V / 60Hz
Official Languages
Arabic

Credit Cards and Travelers Cheques widely accepted? Yes

All average costs based on U.S. Government Per Diem rates as published by the U.S. General Services Administration.

Saudi Arabia Climate Information

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg. High (°C)	19	22	26	32	38	41	42	42	40	34	27	21
Avg. Low (°C)	8	11	15	20	25	27	28	28	25	20	15	11
Rec. High (°C)	31	35	37	42	45	47	47	46	43	41	35	30
Rec. Low (°C)	-1	-	5	11	17	20	22	22	16	12	7	1
Rainfall (cm)	10.0	10.0	30.0	30.0	10.0	-	-	-	-	-	-	10.0